Whats up folks.........
I just joined the forum, and this is my first thread, so I wanted to say hello to everyone....
I have been a military and military history buff for as long as I can remember. I think I've watched every program on the Military Channel, History Channel, etc.
I've done lots of reading and internet research on all things military as well.
Unfortunately, I had the chance to join the Marines, and I had taken the ASVAB, but I had just recently also met the first love of my life, and she helped talk me out of joining in '86. That was a mistake, because our relationship didnt last all that long anyway! But I have always been a huge supporter of the US military, and I have several family members who served.
As I said, I've learned lots about military stuff, but I still have lots of questions, and lots of stuff to talk about, so thats why I joined up here.
Anyway, I'm bringing up the topic of canceled weapons systems, or systems that might be canceled because it seems that we really needed some of these weapons.
First, I remember hearing about the Non-line of sight cannon(NLOS) a few years ago on several TV programs, and it was supposed to be introduced soon into production. It was supposed to at least partially replace the older M109 Howitzer, and it has the potential to fire much faster, like the new European design do, and it is supposedly air transportable unlike the M109. It seems we really need a newer self propelled artillery system, cause the M109 is very old now. But recently I've read that it has been canceled. They had already canceled the Crusader self propelled howitzer, and the NLOS was supposed to replace it.
Next is the replacement for the M-16 family of rifles, the XM 8, which was shown in Army tests to be more reliable than the M16, and it weighs about the same. The M16 didnt do well at all in the dust/dirt tests performed by the Army, and the XM 8 did much better. It has a more reliable piston system. But, for no good reason, a top ranking procurement officer nixxed the deal. He will probably be given a nice, cushy, well paid post retirement position at Colt for his efforts. See www.defenseindustrydaily.com › ... › Americas - USA Read 'The USA's M4 carbine controversy'
Next is the expeditionary fighting vehicle which is an amphibious vehicle that is designed to replace the old AAV(Amphibious assault vehicle) used by the Marines. The AAV is older, and I've read that they were over used in Iraq as battle taxis which they were never meant to be. The AAV is also much slower in the ocean, and so it takes a LONG time for it to get to shore during a sea invasion. The EFV is MUCH faster on water. It is also much better armed with a 30mm chain gun. But now, secretary Gates might be thinking of cancelling the whole program. The marines have already slashed the total number that were to be built.
I've also heard of some major cutbacks possible in the F-35 joint strike fighter program.
I can understand that we dont have lots of extra money floating around right now, but defense spending on some of these more important programs shouldnt be the place where we make cuts.
Why cant we do something about reducing the number of people who are being allowed to fall upon our social services safety nets for no real good reason other than laziness. These programs encourage lots of women to have babies that they arent ready for and cannot afford in able to get on the entitlement bandwagon. Not to mention that studies show that the average illegal immigrant family costs the US taxpayers about $19,000+ per year over what they may or may not pay in taxes! Once you realize that we are talking about at least 25 million illegal immigrants and probably 8-10 million families, that is a lot of money!
Hope I didnt offend anyone with my very first posted thread, but I think these things are true, and need to be dealt with, and our military shouldnt suffer because of it!
I just joined the forum, and this is my first thread, so I wanted to say hello to everyone....
I have been a military and military history buff for as long as I can remember. I think I've watched every program on the Military Channel, History Channel, etc.
I've done lots of reading and internet research on all things military as well.
Unfortunately, I had the chance to join the Marines, and I had taken the ASVAB, but I had just recently also met the first love of my life, and she helped talk me out of joining in '86. That was a mistake, because our relationship didnt last all that long anyway! But I have always been a huge supporter of the US military, and I have several family members who served.
As I said, I've learned lots about military stuff, but I still have lots of questions, and lots of stuff to talk about, so thats why I joined up here.
Anyway, I'm bringing up the topic of canceled weapons systems, or systems that might be canceled because it seems that we really needed some of these weapons.
First, I remember hearing about the Non-line of sight cannon(NLOS) a few years ago on several TV programs, and it was supposed to be introduced soon into production. It was supposed to at least partially replace the older M109 Howitzer, and it has the potential to fire much faster, like the new European design do, and it is supposedly air transportable unlike the M109. It seems we really need a newer self propelled artillery system, cause the M109 is very old now. But recently I've read that it has been canceled. They had already canceled the Crusader self propelled howitzer, and the NLOS was supposed to replace it.
Next is the replacement for the M-16 family of rifles, the XM 8, which was shown in Army tests to be more reliable than the M16, and it weighs about the same. The M16 didnt do well at all in the dust/dirt tests performed by the Army, and the XM 8 did much better. It has a more reliable piston system. But, for no good reason, a top ranking procurement officer nixxed the deal. He will probably be given a nice, cushy, well paid post retirement position at Colt for his efforts. See www.defenseindustrydaily.com › ... › Americas - USA Read 'The USA's M4 carbine controversy'
Next is the expeditionary fighting vehicle which is an amphibious vehicle that is designed to replace the old AAV(Amphibious assault vehicle) used by the Marines. The AAV is older, and I've read that they were over used in Iraq as battle taxis which they were never meant to be. The AAV is also much slower in the ocean, and so it takes a LONG time for it to get to shore during a sea invasion. The EFV is MUCH faster on water. It is also much better armed with a 30mm chain gun. But now, secretary Gates might be thinking of cancelling the whole program. The marines have already slashed the total number that were to be built.
I've also heard of some major cutbacks possible in the F-35 joint strike fighter program.
I can understand that we dont have lots of extra money floating around right now, but defense spending on some of these more important programs shouldnt be the place where we make cuts.
Why cant we do something about reducing the number of people who are being allowed to fall upon our social services safety nets for no real good reason other than laziness. These programs encourage lots of women to have babies that they arent ready for and cannot afford in able to get on the entitlement bandwagon. Not to mention that studies show that the average illegal immigrant family costs the US taxpayers about $19,000+ per year over what they may or may not pay in taxes! Once you realize that we are talking about at least 25 million illegal immigrants and probably 8-10 million families, that is a lot of money!
Hope I didnt offend anyone with my very first posted thread, but I think these things are true, and need to be dealt with, and our military shouldnt suffer because of it!